Refried Beans

Photography: Randy Mayor; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke

"These beans can be made ahead and frozen either whole or refried. They taste great as a side dish or in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos. They're best when they've sat overnight, which makes them softer and better for mashing." —Theresa Marquez

Note: To prepare in a pan: Sort and wash beans, and place in a large Dutch oven. Cover with water to 2 inches above the beans; bring to a boil. Cook 2 minutes; remove from heat. Cover and let stand 1 hour. Drain beans. Add beans, 10 cups water, salt pork, and garlic to pan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour and 45 minutes or until beans are tender. Continue with discarding salt pork and complete the recipe as directed.

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MyRecipes is working with Let's Move!, the Partnership for a Healthier America, and USDA's MyPlate to give anyone looking for healthier options access to a trove of recipes that will help them create healthy, tasty plates. For more information about creating a healthy plate, visit www.choosemyplate.gov.